Outside the Supreme Hua Sword Sect's magnificent palace, dark clouds gathered, as though heralding an approaching storm.
"Sect Master, the Sasanian Dynasty has withdrawn its troops. Our people have returned as requested," an elder reported to Venerable Youhen.
The Supreme Hua Sword Sect had secretly played a considerable role in the Sasanian Dynasty's attack. Though their efforts had achieved little, they had accepted the dynasty's resources and were obliged to act.
After all, failing to do so would ruin their reputation.
Venerable Youhen nodded indifferently. "Understood. Have them rest first, and give them some rewards."
The elder left to carry out his orders. Shortly afterward, another elder quietly appeared behind Venerable Youhen-the elder of the Supreme Hua Sword Sect's Law Enforcement Hall.
His expression was grave as he said quietly, "Sect Master, won't this cause trouble? You gave His Majesty Li Chen your word last time. And as for the Sasanian Dynasty's Empress..."
Venerable Youhen interrupted him, a trace of impatience in his voice. "If His Majesty Li Chen investigates, this was all our disciples acting on their own initiative. I never personally helped the Sasanian Dynasty. If I don't act, their actions don't represent the Supreme Hua Sword Sect.
"As for the Empress, we did help her. Is it my fault her army couldn't break through? Besides, we don't belong to any dynasty. I've already done everything that kindness and duty demand. Wouldn't you agree?"
That was Venerable Youhen's reasoning. He wanted to please both sides, offending neither Li Chen nor the Sasanian Dynasty's Empress.
Seeing the Sect Master's attitude, the Law Enforcement Hall elder felt a faint unease. But he could hardly say anything more, so he took his leave.
Even after returning to the Law Enforcement Hall, the elder remained deeply unsettled.
He kept feeling that something